Three Days to Go: African Civil Society Gears Up for the NGOs Forum in Dakar
Dakar, Senegal – With just three days remaining before the opening of the Forum of NGOs Participating in the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), preparations are reaching their final stage as human rights organisations, civil society actors and other stakeholders prepare to converge in Dakar, Senegal.
Scheduled for 8–10 October 2026 at the Pullman Dakar Teranga Hotel, the Forum will bring together participants from across Africa and beyond to discuss pressing human rights challenges, strengthen civil society collaboration and advance the protection and promotion of human and peoples’ rights on the continent.
Organised by the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS), the Forum remains an important platform for civil society organisations to exchange experiences, raise concerns about human rights violations and develop recommendations for engagement with regional human rights mechanisms.
As the countdown continues, the gathering offers an opportunity to reflect on the critical role civil society plays in holding institutions accountable, defending fundamental freedoms and ensuring that human rights commitments translate into meaningful change in people’s lives.
Across the continent, human rights defenders and civil society organisations continue to face challenges relating to civic space, freedom of expression, democratic governance and the protection of vulnerable communities. The Forum provides an opportunity to bring these concerns to the forefront, encourage constructive dialogue and strengthen collective responses to emerging challenges.
Beyond the discussions, the meeting is expected to reinforce cooperation among civil society organisations and deepen engagement with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Through dialogue, thematic deliberations and the development of resolutions and recommendations, participants will have an opportunity to contribute to the broader African human rights agenda.
The Forum also serves as a space for organisations working at national and regional levels to share lessons, build partnerships and identify common priorities that require coordinated action.
As Dakar prepares to host this important gathering, ACDHRS reiterates the importance of sustained civil society engagement in advancing democracy, protecting civic space and promoting respect for human rights across Africa.
With only three days to go, participating organisations are encouraged to finalise their preparations and get ready for three days of dialogue, reflection and collective action.
The countdown is on. Dakar is ready to welcome Africa’s human rights community as civil society comes together to strengthen the continent’s human rights movement.
Forum Details
- Event: Forum of NGOs Participating in the 89th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
- Date: 8–10 October 2026
- Venue: Pullman Dakar Teranga Hotel, Dakar, Senegal
- Organiser: African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS)
